Ernest McNeill lived a wonderful life. Just like the movie, it was not without challenges: living on a farm, being orphaned and spending time in an orphanage; working for a college education; experiencing the Great Depression; watching the development of automobiles, airplanes, television and rocket ships; participating in World War II while in the US Army Air Corp / Air Force. He lived a full life of nearly 100 years seeing first-hand the many changes in both America and the World.
He was married for 71 years to the remarkable Virginia “Ginny” Goddard McNeill, who passed away just four months ago. They loved raising three sons, treasured their five grandchildren, and enjoyed eight great-grandchildren. He wore many different hats in his life. In each setting he made an impact with his wisdom, laughter, helpfulness and ingenuity.
His career in the military, took him and sometimes his family around the world and the U.S. He was a fighter in the bubble of a B-17 with the 97th Bomb Group in England, North Africa, and Italy, and was gone from home for almost three years. He was also a cold war spy in the Middle East. After he retired from service in the military, he made another career with Pinellas County Schools, working at Skyview Elementary, Dixie Hollins High School, Starky Elementary, and as Head Plant Operator at Bardmoor Elementary. He kept the schools running in many more ways than simply with working air conditioning, clean floors and classrooms, and assisting teachers. He added a kind heart and frequently aided needy students with counsel, providing them clothing, food, and even an occasional haircut.
In his retirement, which lasted even longer than his work life, he pursued his lifelong passion for gardening. He turned his front yard into a landscaped vegetable garden, raising some of the finest collard greens in Pinellas County, and volunteered at Good Samaritan Church where he helped to create a modern-day Eden.
Ernest L. McNeill (M/Sgt. Ret.) of St. Petersburg went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 9, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia McNeill; and his four sisters, Grace Higham, Elizabeth Harding, Cara Gice, and Ruth Burns. Ernest (Buddy/Dad/Mac/PopPop/E.L.) is survived by his three sons: Ernest L. McNeill (Frances) of Marianna, FL; Richard L. McNeill of Gainesville, FL; and Thomas L. McNeill (Barbara) of St. Petersburg, FL; his brother Alex McNeill of Fountain Valley, CA; Grandchildren: Slade McNeill (Tammy); Jason McNeill; Sarah Fitzpatrick (Don); Jennifer Bryant (Edwin); and Daniel McNeill (Crystal). Great Grandchildren: Zephra (Aaron), Gage, Coleman, McKenzie, Elijah, Dylan, Nehemiah, and Harper. Special thanks to his devoted caregivers: Janine MacCallum, Jason McNeill, Debbie North, and Pennie North.
Services will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery at 1:30 pm on Friday, December 27, 2013. A celebration of life will follow at a shelter at the adjoining War Veteran's Memorial Park (9600 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33708). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Good Samaritan Church Memorial Fund in Mac's honor (6085 Park Blvd. N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781).
Please sign the guestbook below.
He will be sorely missed, but I have many years of memories to cherish. Ernie
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
My sympathy to all the family. Ernie, your dad was like mine and did alot in the service and afterwards too. They are both at peace. Amen
Mr. McNeill was truly loved by his family. He was a great man and will be missed.
I was fortunate enough to spend the last several years with PopPop. I will miss him dearly and think of him often.